Brain Anatomy and Functions

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to brain anatomy and functions based on the lecture notes.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the brain located at the front, responsible for complex cognitive functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, and planning.

Parietal Lobe

The region of the brain located behind the frontal lobe, involved in processing sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Occipital Lobe

The area at the back of the brain that primarily processes visual information.

Temporal Lobe

Located near the temples, this lobe is involved in processing auditory information and is also crucial for memory.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain at the back that coordinates muscle movements, maintains posture, and balance.

Brain Stem

The region of the brain that includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla, responsible for controlling autonomic functions and connecting the brain to the spinal cord.

Hindbrain

The division of the brain that includes the pons, medulla, and cerebellum, responsible for functions that are vital for survival.

Midbrain

The central part of the brain, associated with vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake, arousal (alertness), and temperature regulation.

Forebrain

The largest part of the brain that includes the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures, responsible for advanced functions such as reasoning and emotion.

Cortex

The outermost layer of the brain, consisting of gray matter, involved in higher brain functions such as thought, memory, and voluntary muscle activity.

Gyri

Ridges or bumps on the brain's surface that increase its surface area.

Sulci

The grooves or valleys between the gyri in the brain.

Fissure

A deep sulcus that separates major regions of the brain.

Longitudinal Fissure

The deep groove that separates the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Sylvian Fissure

The fissure that separates the frontal lobe from the temporal lobe.

Corpus Callosum

The largest white matter tract in the brain that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit information throughout the brain and body.

Glia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide structure, protection, and nourishment to neurons.